Every Picture Is a Compromise
Lessons from the Also-rans
Most photography websites show the photographer's very best work. Wonderful. But that's not the full story of a creative life. If we want to learn, we'd better pay attention to the images that aren't "greatest hits" and see what lessons they have to offer. Every picture is a compromise — the sum of its parts, optical, technical, visual, emotional, and even cosmic – well, maybe not cosmic, but sometimes spiritual. Success on all fronts is rare. It's ok to learn from those that are not our best.
This is a series about my also-rans, some of which I've been able to improve at bit (i.e., "best effort"), none of which I would consider my best. With each there are lessons worth sharing, so I will.
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Original digital capture
Mountains from Your Car Week
I know photographers whose sole subject matter are mountains — and their masterful efforts are breathtaking. I love the mountains as much as anyone else, as long as I can access them from the highway (my backpacking days are over). This week will be mountains from the comfort of your car.
What I saw that I liked:
Lovely fall colors and a nice rocky outcrop.
What I don't like in the picture:
Sort of bland and flat lighting in spite of an active sky and clouds.
What I learned:
The great thing about an active sky is its constant change. All I had to do with this one was wait a short bit for the clouds to move and cast these great dark shadows. Suddenly, the still composition from above becomes the living moment in the image at left. Don't photograph things, photograph moments.
Additional notes
This is Lamoille Canyon outside Elko, Nevada. To the best of my memory, I don't think I've ever heard of this place nor seen any photographs from here. Too bad. It is a spectacular drive. Like all the other images this week, this one is from the driver's side of my truck. Photography with a bad back. |
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